Confucian proverb inspires teen center creation in Iloilo

Confucian proverb inspires teen center creation in Iloilo

By Vicente W. Villavert, Wednesday 14th of November 2012

ILOILO CITY, Nov 14 (PIA 6) -- A Confucian proverb served as an inspiration for the establishment of this year’s five multi-purpose teen centers in five districts of the province of Iloilo.

“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, [teach the people] shape the youth,” thus Renarda F. Gaviola, chief training and research officer of the Iloilo Provincial Population Office, paraphrased Confucius during the turn-over of P1million worth of cheques at P200,000.00 each as budget for the five teen centers recently.

She said the proverb carries special significance today “because the youth now are vulnerable to many challenges, and confronted with numerous and complex problems that serve as barriers in their journey towards responsible adulthood and as productive citizens.”

Gaviola emphasized that the establishment of the school-based multi-purpose teen centers is an innovative strategy in the operationalization of the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program which is implemented by the Provincial Population Office.

The objective of the establishment of the multi-purpose teen centers is to contribute to the empowerment and development of adolescents and youth by providing a venue and facility where they can develop their potentials as individuals.

It also aims to help reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections and other psycho-social problems among the young people.

“From 5 teen centers in year 2011, we have expanded with another 5 teen centers this year and hopefully with another 12 teen centers in year 2013,” Gaviola said.

For this year, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. vowed to provide an additional P100,000 for each of the multi-purpose teen centers that will be established in new locations in the five districts of the province.

Originally, the budget for the multi-purpose teen centers is P200,000 each. Defensor turned over during the ceremony the cheques to recipient schools, namely, Igbaras National High School for the First District, Leonora S. Salapantan National High School in San Miguel for the Second District, Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School for the Third District, Dumangas National High School for the Fourth District and Sara National High School for the Fifth District.

The Governor decided to add P100,000 for each of the proposed teen centers because he was inspired by the positive impact of the establishment of the first batch of multi-purpose teen centers in Iloilo province last year. The amount released will be used for the purchase of equipments, rehabilitation of the Center, reproduction of IEC matrials and training and capability building.

Last year, the province established five multi-purpose teen centers with a budget of P200,000 each in the following areas: Oton National High School for the First District, Pavia National High School for the Second District, Lambunao National High School for the Third District, Rufino J. Palabrica Sr. Memorial National High School in Dingle for the Fourth District, and Nicomedes Tubar, Sr. Memorial National High School in San Dionisio for the Fifth District.(JSC/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

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